Iberia has become the first airline to respond to a warning issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regarding fuel shortages at nine major airports in Cuba, including Havana and Varadero. The shortages have arisen from a ban on purchasing oil from Venezuela, which has historically supplied the necessary fuel for commercial flights in the region. As a result, Iberia is adapting its ticketing facilities for travelers planning to fly to Cuba, allowing for refunds and changes to existing bookings.

In addition, Air Europa has announced that it will make a technical stop in Santo Domingo to refuel, underlining the urgency of the situation as flights to and from Cuba could be severely disrupted by the ongoing fuel crisis. The flexibility provided by Iberia aims to ease the burden on travelers who may have concerns about their journey amidst these operational challenges.

This move by Iberia could have significant implications for air travel to Cuba, especially as the tourism sector continues to be a key component of the island’s economy. By prioritizing customer service in this time of uncertainty, Iberia not only helps its travelers but also supports the overall connectivity of Cuba with international destinations, even amidst operational barriers.